News and Updates for Licensees and Industry

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Upcoming Public Meetings and Events

July 20, 2023 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

October 19, 2023 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

November 9, 2023 - BAR Educational Advisory Group Meeting

Licensees may experience delays in receiving licenses and renewal notices

Business licenses and renewal notices

Due to technical difficulties being experienced by the vendor responsible for printing and mailing BAR’s business licenses and business and individual license renewal notices, licensees may experience delays in receiving their licenses and renewal notices. As a reminder, renewal notices are mailed as a courtesy and licensees are responsible to ensure timely renewal. If you have questions relating to the status of your license application, license renewal, or license, please contact BAR’s Licensing Program by email at BARLicensingApplications@dca.ca.gov or by phone at (855) 735-0462.

Smog Check inspector/technician licenses

BAR’s license examination contractor, PSI, is experiencing license printing delays of up to 90 days. If you have passed an examination for Smog Check licensure with BAR and need to be placed in a station analyzer while waiting for your license, please bring your passing exam results and a government issued photo ID showing your full name to your nearest BAR field office for assistance.

Biometric palm scanners are now required for BAR-OIS inspections

Effective May 1, 2023, Smog Check inspectors must use a biometric palm scanner instead of a password to perform BAR-OIS inspections. Inspectors can find helpful information and resources, including answers to frequently asked questions and a short video providing tips for palm scanner use, on the biometric webpage. For other questions or assistance, contact the BAR Industry Help Desk at (866) 860-8509.

BAR-OIS computer operating system update

Effective July 1, 2023, all BAR-OIS computers must run a supported Microsoft Windows operating system version. BAR-OIS computers running an unsupported operating system version on and after July 1, 2023, will not be able to perform Smog Check inspections. Windows versions 7, 8.0, and 8.1 are currently not supported by Microsoft. Windows versions 10 and 11 are supported.

Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program

Vehicle safety systems licenses will replace brake and lamp licenses soon pursuant to AB 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021). Join our email list to receive important implementation announcements in your inbox.

Resources for military members and their families

Application and licensure assistance options are available to military personnel and their spouses or domestic partners. For information, visit Assistance for Veterans, Military Personnel, and Their Spouses/Domestic Partners.

Expedited licensure process for refugees, asylees, and holders of SIVs

Refugees, asylees, and holders of special immigrant visas (SIV) may seek an expedited licensure process as required by Business and Professions Code section 135.4. Learn more

The Smog Check Referee Program is recruiting

Join the Referee team and help reduce air pollution for all Californians. Positions are open at community college campuses throughout California. Learn more

BAR career opportunities are available for auto professionals

We’re hiring! BAR is seeking professionals in the automotive industry to fill program representative vacancies across the state. For information on openings and how to apply, visit Career Opportunities.

Fraud alerts for DCA licensed professionals

DCA licensed professionals may be impacted by fraudulent activity. Read fraud alerts